Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a common disease.Each person faces symptoms of the initial stage of this pathology.But some people immediately turn to a specialist and undergo treatment that prevents the development of the disease, while others trigger it and face serious problems.The information presented in the article will allow us to identify pathology at an early stage of development.You can learn how to treat osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
What is shoulder osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a painful change, destruction of cartilaginous tissue.As the disease progresses, it becomes thinner.Subsequently, the damaged areas are replaced by osteocytes.This destructive process is due to insufficient nutrition of chondrocytes and impaired production of substances such as elastin and collagen.To stop the destruction, it is important to diagnose the disease in time.Consult a doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive and competent restorative treatment.
Reasons for the development of the disease
The reasons for the appearance and development of a pathology are multiple.Among the most important of these are:
- Physiological damage – fracture or dislocation;
- Excess body weight;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Professional sports;
- Pathologies of intrauterine development;
- Genetic predisposition.
In a young body, cartilage tissue is restored much faster.As adults, natural anabolic metabolic processes slow down in the body.This increases tissue degeneration.For this reason, it is so important to diagnose diseases in time and undergo treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
The first signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are associated with pain when moving the arm backwards or to the side.It manifests itself more strongly in the morning and when weather conditions change.There is also pain on palpation and with factors such as:
- Increased physical activity.
- Lift weights.
- Hypothermia.
If the disease is not treated, pain in the shoulder joint begins to interfere with rest.Restriction of movement increases.It becomes difficult to complete daily tasks.Contractures and crackles gradually develop.These phenomena are based on the formation of growths called osteophytes.During an exacerbation, the shoulder swells and redness appears.An increase in temperature is felt in the shoulders.
Stages of the disease
The pathology has three stages of development.It is worth knowing how osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint manifests itself, what symptoms are characteristic of each degree:
- First of all.Manifests as aching pain.Unpleasant pain and stiffness get worse at night.At the same time, movements are not limited.
- Second.When moving the shoulder, a person hears a cracking sound.Pain constantly torments a person.A serious limitation of movements appears.
- Third.At this stage, a person begins to be exhausted by unbearable pain in the shoulder area.The hand is fixed in a comfortable and less painful position.Visually, the x-ray shows a pathological deformation.
The main difference between osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint and other diseases is the ability not to manifest itself or develop for a long time.The condition will only worsen in the presence of provoking factors.
Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint can be diagnosed with a standard shoulder x-ray.The photo is taken in two projections.The doctor diagnoses the disease in the presence of factors such as:
- Narrowing of the joint space;
- Formation of osteophytes;
- Sclerosis of bone tissue.
Under certain conditions, other methods of studying the shoulder are prescribed.Ultrasound to determine the thickness of the cartilage and assess the condition of soft tissues.
At the second stage of the development of pathology, an arthroscopy procedure is prescribed.This is an invasive research method.During this procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the shoulder socket.Simultaneously with the study of the condition of the tissues, bone growths are removed.
If possible, ultrasound and x-rays can be replaced by MRI.This is a unique informative method for examining the body with osteoarthritis.The procedure makes it possible to assess the condition of the bone structure, cartilage and ligaments, and to understand how to treat shoulder osteoarthritis.
In addition to standard instrumental methods, the doctor prescribes a urine test and blood donation.This is necessary to detect inflammation.
Which doctor should I contact?
To carry out an initial examination, you must consult a therapist.He studies the patient’s condition and prescribes tests.Provides references to other specialists:
- Orthopedist;
- Rheumatologist;
- Surgeon;
- Neurologist.
After receiving the conclusions of these doctors and the test results, the therapist prescribes appropriate treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.An appointment with this specialist is indicated at the first stage of the disease.If the problem develops with complications and an inflammatory process manifests itself, treatment is prescribed by a rheumatologist.
The help of a neurologist may be necessary if the nerve bundle is compressed.The surgeon performs an intervention if the disease is advanced and requires intra-articular manipulation.
Treatment
Medicine offers many effective treatment methods.To eliminate inflammation and pain, painkillers are prescribed.After the acute inflammation is relieved, the doctor prescribes a course of restorative and regenerating agents.To increase the therapeutic effect, drug treatment is supplemented with diet and the use of alternative techniques.
Medicine
For effective and timely treatment of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, a specialist prescribes drugs from different pharmacological groups.They are necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue, eliminate pain symptoms and improve the general well-being of the patient.You can achieve results using the following medications:
- Chondroprotectors.These are medicines made from herbal ingredients.They effectively nourish the cells.It is recommended to use drugs during remission and during exacerbation.
- Corticosteroid group.Medications can provide long-term pain relief.It is an excellent solution for a serious stage of the pathology.If you follow the scheme of a competent specialist and undergo comprehensive treatment of the diseased shoulder joint, you can reduce the foci of pathology and restore the cartilage.
- NSAIDs.Medications quickly eliminate the pain caused by degenerative changes.Relieving pain and inflammation ensures freedom of movement.
In addition to medications for internal use, the attending physician prescribes external treatments.We are talking about ointments and gels.They are rubbed directly onto the inflamed area.Properly structured drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint relieves inflammation and eliminates pain.
Surgical
This surgical procedure cannot be avoided if the following factors occur:
- Lack of effect of previously prescribed and administered conservative treatment;
- The occurrence of complications;
- Manifestation of destructive degenerative changes.
If irreversible changes in appearance or function occur, stents are made.The affected part is surgically replaced with an artificial part.This is a complex operation that requires ideal professional qualifications from the doctor.
Therapy
When relieving signs of osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, special attention is paid to physiotherapy.After the main treatment, you need to reduce pain and restore natural mobility.The following procedures are prescribed:
- Cryotherapy on the affected area;
- Electrophoresis;
- Magnetic therapy.
You can achieve results with this form of treatment if you follow the rules.Physiotherapy is prescribed only in the absence of acute painful manifestations.The procedures must be performed by highly qualified doctors.
Gymnastics
We are talking about physiotherapy.Gymnastics with a light load is prescribed at an early stage of pathology.This will relieve exacerbation attacks.Will allow you to quickly heal a painful shoulder joint.A standard training complex looks like this:
- A man sits on a chair.Secures brushes in a lock.Several sections are carried out forward and immediately backward.You need to perform this movement twice with short pauses.
- In the same position, you should put your hands on your hips and relax.Next, you need to perform 4-5 shoulder manipulations, moving in different directions.
- While standing, you need to perform several jerks while simultaneously moving your elbows behind your back.This is an excellent method for loading the spine and working the entire shoulder area.
Regular exercise will relieve pain for a long time and restore shoulder mobility.
Massage
When deciding how to treat the shoulder joint, doctors often prescribe a course of massage.This will provide results such as:
- Improve tissue nutrition;
- Relieve swelling;
- Tone muscles;
- Eliminate pain.
If you entrust the massage to a professional, after a few sessions you will be able to notice a positive effect.
Traditional methods
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with folk remedies is considered relevant.Here are the most effective recipes:
- Compress with a cabbage leaf.Reduces osteoarthritis pain, eliminates inflammation and improves mobility.The method is easy to use.You need to apply the sheet on the painful shoulder and leave it overnight.
- Decoctions of chamomile, nettle, burdock and calendula should be added to the bath.
- Hirudotherapy.It is an excellent option to combat acute and chronic osteoarthritis of the shoulder.The procedure quickly restores blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling.
Despite the ease of use and versatility of traditional methods, you should not self-medicate.Treatment of chronic shoulder osteoarthritis by traditional methods should be prescribed by a doctor after examination and understanding that there is no allergy to the components present in the recipes.
Nutrition for osteoarthritis
To quickly restore cartilage tissue, it is important to follow a simple diet.The body must be filled with nutrients.The diet should contain the following products:
- Fruit jelly.
- Her.
- Nuts of different varieties.
- Eggs.
- Buckwheat.
It is recommended to take vitamins.Eat small meals 4-5 times.To achieve stable remission, this menu must be followed constantly.
Prevention
Preventive measures aimed at eliminating osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint are based on the elimination of factors that can provoke the disease.It is necessary to lead a healthy and fairly active lifestyle.It is important to respect these rules:
- Introduce daily moderate exercise.
- It is important to avoid feeling cold.
- Use chondroprotectors for shoulder pain.
- Get rid of extra pounds.
- Avoid excessive physical work.
Following these rules will help you maintain your health for many years.No shoulder osteoarthritis will be scary.These rules are important for people over 45 and for professional athletes.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is lifting heavy objects.If a person has been diagnosed with shoulder osteoarthritis and works as a loader, he will have to change careers.When you buy products in a supermarket, you should use a trolley and not put pressure on your shoulders.Boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding are strictly contraindicated.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is a disease that destroys the joint.Without treatment and medication, the cartilage tissue in the shoulder will gradually deteriorate.Movements will become restricted and pain will appear.At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment.At the initial stage, the prognosis for recovery is favorable.